Minister issues directives on illegal works on roads, pavements

The Minister for Communications and National Projects Austin Gatt, today published directives to the Transport Authority (ADT) on how it should act when illegal road works are carried out. The directives were issued in the wake of works carried out in Marsalforn by the local council of Zebbug (Gozo) without ADT approval.

The authority yesterday ordered the council to restore the area to its original condition within two weeks, failing which the site will be restored by the authority at the council's expense.

The directives lay down that whenever local councils or any other body undertake works on public roads and/or public pavements without the necessary permits from all the authority as required at law, the ADT will alert the police commissioner and ask him to stop the works immediately, while ensuring that they would not be resumed without official consent.

The authority is also required to issue a stop notice against whoever is carrying out the works. Those responsible for the works will be held liable for the costs of restoration of the area/s.

The Malta Transport Authority, the Minister said, should only enter into negotiations with whoever carries out illegal works when the road/pavement is returned to its original state. A month long period may be allowed for reinstatement, after which the authority will carry out the works itself at the expense of the local council or person involved.

Delays in the reinstatement of sites will carry a penalty of €100. Until the site is returned to its original condition, the ADT will not entertain any other applications by the local council/ person concerned.

Dr Gatt said the authority is to seek legal advice as to what criminal and civil actions can be brought against those undertaking illegal works.